Colostrum Benefits for Women Over 40: Reverse Hair Loss, Bloating and More

We all want thicker hair, a flatter stomach and stronger immune function. And there may be an easy way to get it. We’re talking about nutrient-rich “liquid gold” bovine colostrum, the yellow premilk that flows before a cow’s regular milk arrives. The hype about the benefits of colostrum for women is loud. Social media buzzes with testimonials, and wellness influencers tout the benefits of this viral health supplement that’s been called “nature’s first superfood.”

Even Johns Hopkins–trained preventive medicine expert Earl J. Campazzi, Jr., MD, author of the forthcoming book The Right Supplements, has noticed the craze. “Over the last year, I have been asked more and more questions about colostrum, mostly from women in their 40s and 50s,” he reveals. Could this natural superfood be the modern solution we’ve been searching for? Here’s what experts want you to know about colostrum benefits.

What is colostrum made of?

Compared to regular dairy milk, bovine colostrum packs significantly more protein, explains Yelena Paul, a registered nutritional therapist. This protein boost comes from elevated levels of casein and antibodies called immunoglobulins. You may recall that casein is the solid, slow-digesting protein found in cow’s milk, while whey is the watery liquid part. Research in the journal Nutrients finds that bovine colostrum is 15 percent protein on the first day it is released, gradually decreasing to about three percent by the time it is replaced by mature milk.

Colostrum’s benefits aren’t just a modern discovery. There is a rich history of using this dairy product. “Bovine colostrum has been consumed by humans for centuries,” explains Paul, citing research. “Its antimicrobial properties made it a valuable treatment for bacterial diseases before antibiotics like penicillin were discovered.”

The 4 main health benefits of colostrum

Experts point to multiple colostrum benefits:

Gut protection

The strongest human research involving colostrum focuses on gut healing. “It decreases gut permeability or ‘leaky gut,’” explains Dr. Campazzi. It can repair damage to the gut lining, which can happen when using pain relievers called NSAIDs. He explains this benefit is especially enticing for women in midlife. “Estrogen decline changes the gut lining, so a gut-barrier supplement makes biological sense. Women this age also take plenty of ibuprofen.” Some research also suggests colostrum may help support digestive health for those managing inflammatory bowel conditions like IBD.

Better immunity

Colostrum is also believed to stimulate immune system development—it helps babies jumpstart their immunity after birth. In terms of the benefits for adults, “Colostrum is packed with immune cells and antibodies, which is helpful to counteract immune suppressing effects of stress and illness,” says registered dietician nutritionist Jaclyn Fleisher.

Muscle support

“Colostrum can aid in muscle recovery, which is especially important for women over the age of 40 in the preservation of lean muscle mass,” adds Fleisher, highlighting tissue repair and growth as two key perks. Colostrum has even made a pop culture splash in this area: An episode of the show Poker Face centered around solving a zany mystery involving body builders and stolen colostrum.

Beauty benefits

Some women take colostrum supplements to help restore youthful skin and hair. “It has bioactive nutrients and regenerative peptides that accelerate the hair growth cycle and reduce hair shedding,” says Stephanie Redmond, a board-certified clinical pharmacist and founder of Dr. Stephanie’s supplements.

What about the benefits of colostrum during menopause?

Some experts are enthusiastic about colostrum’s potential to help deliver benefits for a wide range of symptoms during menopause. “As we approach and surpass 40, our estrogen and progesterone declines leading to a series of physiological changes,” Redmond explains. That can trigger the following symptoms:

• Hair loss becomes more common with age, since estrogen protected our strands in our youth.
• Belly bloat is also common, due to dramatic shifts in our gut microbiome following hormone changes. “Colostrum seals the mucosal lining of the gut for improved digestion, leading to less stomach distention and bloating,” Redmond says.
• Autoimmune responses can soar in women. We become prone to new conditions or flare ups as we lose the anti-inflammatory protection of estrogen.

“Colostrum is the perfect superfood to negate the negative impact of these specific hormonal transitions,” explains Redmond.

Who is colostrum right for?

“Generally, most people, especially women over 40, would experience some benefits from taking colostrum since its benefits are so widespread,” says Redmond. But she sees certain groups benefiting the most. “Especially if you are a woman going through hormonal transitions (think postpartum, perimenopause). GLP-1 users are also a great group to benefit from this, as are those with poor digestion and those traveling a lot and exposed to bugs,” she adds.

You could start to see colostrum benefits within weeks

Redmond, who has developed a colostrum formulation, can share customer feedback. She says, “Within one to two weeks you should start to notice an improvement in digestion measured as less bloating, less stomach distention, reduced constipation and gas. The benefits will improve over four to eight weeks for maximum effect.”

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

What about beauty benefits? “Improvements in skin appearance can also happen quickly—within the first two to four weeks—and are amazing, so many of our customers comment on this first!” She admits, “Hair growth can take a bit longer, usually two to three months since regrowth can take time to notice.” But she also hears a lot of women talk about a general improvement in well being. “You should notice improvements in energy and vitality within the first week as well.”

What to know before you try colostrum

While colostrum shows promise for many women, there are a few important considerations before you start supplementing.

• Avoid it if you’re sensitive to dairy. While bovine colostrum seems to be well tolerated by most people, “If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, colostrum may not be suitable,” Paul says.
• Seek out quality brands. “Since supplements are not regulated by the FDA, look for products featuring third-party testing and standardization,” says Fleisher. Brands that have been independently tested for quality, safety and purity often have the NSF or Informed Choice designation printed on their packaging.
• Ready to try it for yourself? For capsules, check out Dr. Stephanie’s Primal Blend Purified Colostrum ($29 for 30 day supply). For powder to stir into water or smoothies, try Bovita Health Colostrum ($29 for 10 stick packs).

The bottom line on colostrum benefits

Dr. Campazzi sums up colostrum this way: “Safe for most, modestly supported [by research], genuinely interesting for gut health.” While it’s not a miracle cure, colostrum offers real hope for women navigating the challenges of menopause. Whether you’re struggling with thinning hair, uncomfortable bloating or low energy, this superfood could be the gentle, natural support your body needs. And with results possible in as little as one to two weeks, there’s never been a better time to discover if colostrum’s “liquid gold” benefits are right for you.